Woman found outside sister’s home after night out may have died due to freezing conditions

A 25-year-old woman found collapsed in the snow in Kent was found next door to where she was staying and might have died after a tragic accident in sub-zero temperatures following a night out.

• Woman’s body discovered outside sister’s home may have been result of tragic accident in freezing temperatures

The scene at Church Meadows in Deal where Bernadette Lee's body was found. Picture: SWNS

• Bernadette Lee was discovered by passer-by on Sunday morning

Bernadette Lee was discovered in the front garden of the house next to her sister’s by a man walking his dog on Sunday morning at 7.30am in Church Meadows, Deal, Kent.

It is believed she had no visible injuries and there are reports she was not wearing a coat when she was found after going out for drinks.

Police are still investigating what caused the death but confirmed they are looking at the possibility that Ms Lee got into difficulties as she made her way home.

“There are other possibilities we are looking at but one theory is that this is a tragic accident where a young woman was on her way home from a night out, but she didn’t make it to where she was staying.

“We don’t know if that was because of the cold, or she slipped or she was drunk or she became ill.”

Earlier police said the woman was pronounced dead at the scene and the death was not being treated as suspicious but it was unexplained.

A post-mortem examination will be held later this week.

Meanwhile, a Facebook page has been set up, with friends and family expressing their shock at the death of Ms Lee.

One message that said it was from Ms Lee’s family and friends said: “Goodnight Bernadette. Your one of the Angels now. You’re a star shining bright in the sky. You’re the spirit guide that watches over us and looks after us. You were a truly loved girl and you have left a hole in so many people’s hearts. We love you so much bern. Sleep tight and keep snug in heaven. All our love your family and friends.”